Teenage Batemans Bay Surf Lifesaving Club captain Joel Doble saves kids from ‘gnarly’ rip

Inspired by Bondi Rescue, Joel Doble knew he wanted to be a surf lifesaver and has now saved two lives on his first day as one of the youngest captains in the state.

Just weeks after becoming one of the state’s youngest surf lifesaving club captain, 18-year-old Joel Doble found himself in the right place at the right time when three young children were dragged out to sea over the weekend.

Batemans Bay Surf Lifesaving Club’s fresh-faced skipper had just finished pre-season training exercises at Malua Bay on Saturday when he spotted three kids find themselves being dragged out by what he said was a “pretty gnarly rip”.

Joel Doble has been handed the role of Batemans Bay Surf Lifesaving Club captain this year.

“I was just locking the last door and looked around and had a last quick scan of the beach,” the former Far South Coast Junior Lifesaver of the Year award winner said.

“I saw a few kids further up the beach starting to struggle a little and get swept out.

“I grabbed the rescue tuber and called for backup before I ran down and entered the water. I managed to rescue two and one managed to get themselves on to the sandbar.”

Joel Doble won a string of awards as a junior.

He rode the strong rip out past the wave break, seeking the safety of calmer waters before bringing them both to safety on the sandbar.

The children, aged between 11 and 12, were checked by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being cleared of any injuries.

It was the first time the crew had been out on the water since Covid restrictions were lifted, and the new skipper was given little time to put his skills into action.

“There was a parent on the beach at the time and they were very shocked and grateful,” he said.

“It all happened so fast.

“It was just really good to get back into the water.”

He said he first became interested in a career in surf lifesaving when watching the reality show Bondi Rescue as a kid in Sutton near Canberra.

There was only one catch – the family lived two hours from the closest beach.

“I thought the show was exciting, and I’m not one to get stuck in an office job,” he said.

After bushfire evacuations and Covid lockdowns, the upcoming summer could be one of the busiest yet for south coast lifesavers.

As a kid, the family would travel to their holiday home at Tomakin, which allowed Mr Doble to immerse himself in local nippers events.

His love for the surf saw him rise through the ranks quickly, and in August he was handed one of the most important roles in the club.

“There’s a lot of responsibility, but I wouldn’t have taken it if everyone didn’t believe in me,” he said.

He said while the last few summers have been impacted by bushfires and the Covid pandemic, his first season as captain could be one of the busiest on record as NSW lockdowns ease.

“We have to get the message about surf safety out there,” he said.

“Remember to always swim at patrolled beaches, in between the red and yellow flags,” he said.

”If you do get in trouble, raise your hand, start waving it and hopefully someone on the beach will notice,” he continued.

”If you do spot someone in trouble at an unpatrolled beach and there‘s no one else around, call triple 000 and ask for the police and they’ll get you the best help they can.”